When a Bay Area heat wave strikes, the last thing you need is an air conditioner that won’t turn on. We take you through common A/C issues and how to troubleshoot them, as well as when it’s time to call a pro for AC repairs near you.
Calvey Heating and Air Discusses Common AC Problems and Troubleshooting Tips for The Bay Area Homeowners
- The Bay Area’s heat waves, fog, and salty air strain your air conditioner and reduce its efficiency and service life.
- Common AC issues in the Bay Area include A/C not cooling, air conditioners that won’t turn on, capacitor issues, and frozen evaporator coils.
- You can troubleshoot your A/C by checking the breaker, thermostat, filters, and vents.
How Does the Bay Area Climate Affect A/C Units?
The Bay Area has several unique microclimates that can affect your AC unit in different ways.
Corrosion and wear
Heavy fog and salty air off the coast create a humid, damp environment that accelerates the rate of coil corrosion and electrical wear. Regularly cleaning the salt buildup off the condenser coils is an important part of preventative A/C maintenance in coastal areas like San Francisco.
Short cycling
In inland areas like San Jose and Walnut Creek, intense heatwaves often spike above 100°F, forcing your AC to work overtime to cool your home. An A/C that’s running continuously can lead to overall system strain, while major temperature fluctuations from heat waves can cause A/C short cycling.
Clogged filters
During the California wildfire season, smoke can clog air conditioners all across the Bay Area. Under normal circumstances, it’s recommended to change your HVAC filters every 3 months. However, it’s a good idea to check them more frequently during wildfire season, as dirty filters can reduce AC efficiency.
Why Bay Area A/C Issues Are Easy to Miss Until They’re Urgent
When temperatures are mild in the Bay Area, it’s easy to overlook minor AC issues. The damp, salty air causes tiny pinhole leaks, corrosion, and mold growth in your system that often don’t show signs until you really need your AC. Then, when a major heat wave strikes and your AC is running constantly, you might notice that your system isn’t working as it should, or your AC bills are skyrocketing. Routine preventative maintenance is the best way to stay on top of Bay Area AC issues so you’re not left stranded with an AC emergency.
1. A/C Not Cooling
If your AC is blowing warm air, the first step is to check your air filters to make sure that your system has sufficient airflow. If the filters are dirty or clogged, clean or change them and then test the system. If this doesn’t fix the problem, the lack of cold air may be due to low refrigerant levels which require a licensed HVAC technician to repair.
2. A/C Not Turning On
An AC that won’t turn on is typically caused by electrical issues. You can begin by checking the circuit breaker to make sure that it hasn’t been tripped. However, if your AC is repeatedly tripping the circuit breaker or if the unit still won’t turn on after you reset the breaker, it’s time to call an HVAC tech to inspect your AC and check for other underlying electrical problems.
3. A/C Capacitor Issues
Your AC capacitor is responsible for providing the electrical signalling to start the fans and the compressor. AC capacitor issues can prevent your AC from turning on or from cooling properly. You may notice signs like buzzing noises or burning smells, which mean a professional HVAC technician is required for AC repairs.
4. Short Cycling (A/C Turns On and Off Too Often)
If your AC is turning rapidly on and off, this is called AC short cycling, and it can prevent your AC from properly cooling upper levels in your home. Check your AC filters to make sure that the system is receiving enough air, and make sure that none of the vents or ducts are blocked in your home. If the issue persists, you may have a faulty thermostat or an air conditioner that’s the wrong size for your home.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coil
Frozen evaporator coils may be caused by several different issues, including dirty air filters, blocked vents, and low refrigerant levels. You can check the air filters and vents yourself to make sure there’s enough airflow, but refrigerant issues should be left to the pros as refrigerants are toxic if touched or inhaled.
6. Outside AC Unit Not Running
If you have an outside AC unit that isn’t running, it may be due to low refrigerant levels, capacitor issues, or other internal electrical problems. Your outside AC unit contains delicate electrical components that can be easily damaged by DIY repair attempts, so it’s best to leave these problems to the pros.
7. A/C Making Strange Noises
Banging, clanking, squealing, or screeching noises usually mean there’s a mechanical problem, while rattling can mean a loose screw or debris trapped in the exterior unit. Hissing noises indicate a refrigerant leak. If you hear unusual AC noises, it’s best to turn off your unit, as leaving it to run can increase the risk of further damage or safety hazards.
8. Rising Energy Bills Without More Usage
If your AC usage has stayed the same but your energy bills are going up, it can indicate a variety of issues, including refrigerant leaks, clogged air filters, and an old or worn-out system. Scheduling an AC inspection is the best way to determine the root cause of the issue and to improve your home HVAC efficiency.
DIY A/C Troubleshooting Tips for the Bay Area
If your air conditioner isn’t working the way it should, try these Bay Area AC troubleshooting tips to get the ball rolling.
- Step 1: Check that your AC unit has power and that nothing has tripped the circuit breaker.
- Step 2: Confirm that your thermostat has fresh batteries and is set to the proper cooling temperature.
- Step 3: Clean and change your HVAC filters, and check around the vents in your house to make sure that no furniture or rugs are blocking airflow.
- Step 4: Inspect the area around your outdoor AC unit to make sure that no vegetation or debris are blocking air intake.
- Step 5: If none of these steps have resolved the issue, call a licensed HVAC technician at Calvey Heating & Air for professional AC repair.
When It’s Time to Think About A/C Replacement
Most air conditioners last about 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. If your AC unit is reaching the end of its expected service life and suffers a significant breakdown, it’s generally recommended to consider AC replacement. Replacing your older AC can also be an opportunity to upgrade your HVAC to a more energy-efficient system, helping you save on your monthly cooling costs.
Call Calvey Heating and Air for Expert A/C Solutions in the Bay Area
When you need dependable AC repairs in the Bay Area, count on the team at Calvey Heating and Air for expert air conditioner repairs near you. As a local, family-owned business, we’re proud to serve our neighbors in the Bay Area service region by offering transparent pricing, honest conversations, and long-lasting solutions for cooling your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, a free second opinion, and to book your next A/C service in the Bay Area.
